Kashmiri youth send clear message: 'I am as Indian as you are'

Even as Pakistan-backed terrorists continue to target civilians in J&K, the real voices of Naya Kashmir have spoken to Republic - the youth from the conflict-ridden zones of the Valley who brave threats to be Indian soldiers.

After Prime Minister Modi's big move in Kashmir, with Home Minister Amit Shah pushing for the abrogation of Article 370 and successfully getting the bill passed, the historic decision triggered more emotions and reactions than any other event in the country in the recent past. It also boiled down to this — the integration of hearts and minds of the next generation from the Valley with the Idea of India and being Indian. Close on the heels of this historic decision, multiple recruitment drives by Indian Army, Jammu Kashmir police, Territorial Army across Jammu and Kashmir which took place more than 60 days after the abrogation of Article 370 generated an overwhelming response. But the most overwhelming was the larger import of it. 

At a time when international media was busy weaving "Kashmir under lockdown" narrative, thousands of youth from volatile zones and terror bastions were preparing to apply in these drives. More than 4,000 candidates including women candidates lined up in Ramban district for recruitment drive for special police officers which was unprecedented. One of the recruits, who was even willing to have her name taken, told Republic that she wanted to break the stereotype and false perception about women in the valley but admits it wasn't “simple”. She quips “It took me years to convince my parents, besides, women in Kashmir need an outlet too. The conflict has made us strong.”

SPO Khushboo Jan's cold-blooded murder by terrorists in Shopian in March this year hasn't deterred her resolve .”I am clear, I want to serve as a cop. Death will come when it has to, Wardi mein hi sahi (Even if I die doing my duty towards the country)... Fear can't change my mind." Youngsters from the most volatile zones face constant threats back home for daring to carry love for India on their sleeves; an open secret- but not openly spoken or reported about.

'Want desperately get recruited into Forces'

Republic spoke to Fayaz (name changed) who hails from Palhallan in Pattan known as the stone-pelting den. “ I faced disappointment in all recruitment drives I participated since 2018, in the wee hours I would leave my town discreetly, only to return many months later discreetly.  I  know how desperately I want to get selected.”  

He tells me he has been getting threat calls. One of his friends from Baramullah spotted him outside recruitment drive camp. Fayaz is a product of conflict but very clear what he wants. “There is a threat looming large over those Kashmiris who believe in India”, these are tough times, my friends pelt stones. I want to wear the uniform, I will try again for JKP. I do not know much about Article 370 but I know one thing, that we remain to be backwards anymore. If only Prime Minister reaches out to us more”

Kashmiri youth determined to fight Pak Army

Republic spoke to many who have been victims of conflict too. Ashish Dogra, one of the recruits in Samba Drive hails from Narayanpur village in Samba, close to IB in Jammu. This is his story. “My village is few meters away from Ashraf BOP of Pakistan, We live the horror of ceasefire violations from Pakistan every day only to strengthen my resolve to be part of the Indian Army. I lost my cousin in Uri some years ago at LOC. He was a soldier. Post this announcement by Modi Ji I see more good coming our way”.

Youth rubbish anti-India propaganda

Though many Kashmir observers opine that trust deficit is still on ground which needs to be addressed, however, that's the politics of it. There is a lot of optimism in these youngsters from conflict-ridden zones who have rubbished the negative propaganda by anti-India lobby. More and more Kashmiris wanting to be part of Indian Army look up to martyrs like Rifleman Aurangzeb from Poonch who was killed by terrorists only to send across a message that being with India meant death. Mudassir from Shopian has answers for them. He has escaped several attempts to his life. He is a part of JKP and got selected during one such drive years ago. "The mindset is changing, even areas like Shopian, kitne Aurengzeb maregein, many more Kashmiris are ready to be soldiers,” he says, adding, "post abrogation of Article 370 the intent of Kashmiri youth has drastically increased. Young boys now see a ray of hope, in terms of making something of there future through these recruitment drives”

Arif who hails from Baramullah and travelled a long way to participate in the drive, says, “Yes, it is a strong message to India-haters, we can't live in the shadow of fear always. We have been devoid of jobs, development and education and slowly but gradually all this is making sense how we were created by mainstream leaders”  Mudassir says that his generation has seen so much of bloodshed and falsehood propagated by pro-Pakistan lobby and Anti-India forces, they won't buy this narrative any more because “Naya Kashmir is here, it is here to stay”.

The message was loud and clear in the words of Mudassir as he aptly summed up the conversation - “I AM AS INDIAN AS YOU ARE“

(Some names changed to protect identity)